If you’re looking at the before photo, seeing your own lackluster 1980s home, yearning for a transformation, here’s hope—and a great idea. These homeowners were undeterred by false beams, popcorn ceilings, and the silly arched fireplace in this room. They envisioned a sleek, modern space and hired Shelter Architecture to make it so. “We wanted to create a big change and statement without tearing out the existing brick and firebox,” says firm partner Jackie Millea. Since the blonde brick covered the entire wall, they added the custom-built, stained birch surround and two large slabs of stone selected from Coldspring Quarry. “We found a Napoleon fireplace that required little modification to the existing firebox,” she says. “We knew we wanted the modern aesthetic so we chose the linear fire spread with the crystal media instead of something more traditional with logs.” Add a vintage lounge chair and understated accessories—magnifique!
Spot a cool design idea while out and about? Send us a photo and tell us why you love it. If we love it too, we’ll feature it in an upcoming issue. Share your ideas to steal here.
By Chris Lee
Photo by Tim Nehotte
Stylist: Barbara Schmidt, studiobstyle
Architect: Shelter Architecture
